HOMETOWN product Jermaine McGillvary has signed a new five-year deal with Giants.
The 23-year-old has committed himself to the club until 2016 and is delighted at the prospect.
“I’m really pleased to be at my hometown club for hopefully the best years of my career,” said McGillvary, who has scored 20 tries in just 30 Super League appearances and is a member of the England Knights squad.
“Three years ago I was in the academy and now I’ve come through the first year and got a five-year deal so it’s great news – and it’s really good for my family.”
Giants head coach Nathan Brown is pleased McGillvary has agreed the deal and said: “Jermaine’s long-term signing is good news for the club and he is only going to continue to improve.
“He has worked hard on his game and over the last two years has developed well. He has good on and off-field habits and his training standards are high. He is a fine role model for other kids at the club.”
Giants managing director Richard Thewlis said the club have rightly rewarded a young player who has come through to be a regular starter, after having spells on loan with Batley and Barrow.
“Jermaine’s story is truly remarkable and we are delighted to retain him at our club for this long term,” said Thewlis.
“He came into the game relatively late and has worked incredibly hard with us, from being on dual registration to the point today where he is an England Knight and Super League regular.
“A number of clubs are short on English talent and we are aware that many eyes are being cast towards our players, so for us to keep a local lad like Jermaine in the claret and gold is wonderful news.
“He is comfortably one of our most popular players and there is a real buzz of excitement from our fans when he gets the ball, but yet both he and Nathan will say that he still has lots of improvements which will come into his game as he gains experience and continues to train in our environment.”
McGillvary was happy to sign knowing the Giants have already secured the core of their squad on long-term deals.
“Kevin Brown and Danny Brough and a number of us have signed up so we’ve got a good core of players who are staying here for the long run,” said McGillvary.